Bali Seaweed Farm Lembongan
Getting to Know Seaweed Farming in Nusa Lembongan’s Famous Shallow Waters
Do You Know About Seaweed Farming?
Bali Seaweed Farm is a seaweed farm located in the shallow waters of Nusa Lembongan. The farm is managed by locals, and almost all along the coast, you will find seaweed farming activities. The farmers diligently monitor the growth of the seaweed every day to prevent losses due to bad weather or rising sea levels. The cultivation process is quite risky, but it is still an attraction for tourists.
Visiting the area is an exciting experience, where you can witness first-hand how the farmers cultivate their algae fields. Using small boats, they sail the sea to ensure that the development of seaweed cultivation remains optimal. This destination is very interesting and worthy of being included in the list of “Klungkung Interesting Places to Visit,” as visitors can learn firsthand about the seaweed processing process at Bali Seaweed Farm.
History of Bali Seaweed Farm
Bali Seaweed Farm started in 1984 when a businessman from Surabaya introduced seaweed farming in Jungut Batu Village, Nusa Lembongan. Since then, many locals have turned to seaweed farming as a profession. The industry grew rapidly and reached its peak in 2010, making Nusa Lembongan one of the top producers of high-quality seaweed.
However, in 2016, many farms failed due to bad weather. Despite this, the tourism sector in Nusa Lembongan grew. This caused many farmers to switch to the tourism sector, although some remained in seaweed farming. Tourists continue to be interested in exploring the cultivation process. The government also supports the sustainability of seaweed farming as part of Nusa Lembongan’s distinctive characteristics, making it one of the best Bali Seaweed Farms.
Location and How to Get to Bali Seaweed Farm
If you are interested in exploring Bali Seaweed Farm, you can visit Nusa Lembongan Island, Nusa Penida District, which is part of Klungkung Regency. To reach this island, you need to use sea transportation such as speedboats. From Bali Island, you can take a speedboat from Sanur Harbor, with a journey time of about 40 minutes to Nusa Lembongan Harbor.
Upon arrival at the port, you need to hire land transportation to Bali Seaweed Farm, which takes about 20 minutes. At the location, you will be presented with a view of the vast expanse of the sea, filled with seaweed cultivation, as well as the activities of farmers who care for and monitor their land. This view is very beautiful and at the same time an educational experience to learn the process of seaweed cultivation firsthand.
Types of Seaweed at Bali Seaweed Farm
In Nusa Lembongan, there are various types of seaweed that can be cultivated. One of them is the green seaweed type Katoni (Eucheuma cottonii), which is usually planted around the mangrove area. Other varieties are grown on Nusa Ceningan. The results of this cultivation are utilized in various industries, such as food, medicine, cosmetics, textiles, paints, toothpaste, and others.
Seaweed found in this area generally belongs to the Red Algae (Rhodophyta) based on its morphological characteristics. This type of Eucheuma cottonii is easy to cultivate, with a relatively simple and fast harvest process. However, its utilization in Indonesia is still less than optimal, so the economic value produced is relatively low. However, the quality and presence of seaweed in Nusa Lembongan continues to increase.
Steps in Seaweed Cultivation
- Seed Planting: Farmers start by purchasing seaweed seeds, which are then planted in coastal areas. They build cultivation “boxes” of varying sizes, usually around 5 x 50 meters. Each box consists of wooden supports and ropes to which the seaweed seeds are tied. One box usually contains about 100 bundles of seaweed seeds.
- Harvesting Process: Seaweed is harvested after 30 days, usually during the full moon. Farmers usually harvest twice a month at 15-day intervals. Harvesting is done in the morning when the tide is low, or at night under similar conditions. Farmers cut the seaweed to bring it ashore and then install new rows of seeds for the next harvest. Each harvest, the seaweed is released from the support ropes for sorting. Small or damaged pieces are set aside for the drying process.
- Drying: Small and damaged pieces are placed in the sun for 3 days to dry completely.
- Sale of Harvested Products: After the drying process, the seaweed is collected and sold to “seaweed collectors” who live in Lembongan. These collectors then transport the seaweed to Nusa Penida for sale to export traders. The produce is used in various industries, such as cosmetics.
Activities and Experiences to Do at Bali Seaweed Farm
Bali Seaweed Farm Lembongan is the only seaweed farming tourist destination in Bali that is famous for its high quality harvest. A visit to this place not only provides valuable experience but also hands-on education about seaweed cultivation and the lives of the farmers. Here are the activities and interesting things you can do during your visit:
- Seaweed Viewing: You can enjoy the beauty of seaweed cultivation in shallow waters. The many small boats owned by local residents that are used to monitor their land further enhance this view. This calming natural beauty is an attraction in itself.
- Seeing the Seaweed Planting Process: You can watch as farmers carry seaweed seeds and plant them evenly across the plots of land. This process gives you a first-hand look at how seaweed is cultivated using traditional techniques.
- Witnessing the Seaweed Harvesting Process: If you come during harvest season, you will see farmers harvesting seaweed from their land. Using canoes, farmers cut and collect their harvest. This activity is a unique experience that is rarely found elsewhere.
- Photography: Bali Seaweed Farm Lembongan offers beautiful scenery suitable for photography. The expanse of seaweed fields, small boats scattered on the water, and the enchanting natural backdrop create the perfect moment to capture. The natural beauty of this place makes it a favorite destination for photography lovers.
Why Should You Visit Bali Seaweed Farm?
If you are traveling to Nusa Lembongan Island, make time to visit Bali Seaweed Farm. Bali Touristic highly recommends this destination as one of the options for educational and exploratory tours.
Aside from enjoying its natural beauty, you can also learn about seaweed farming techniques and, if interested, participate in the planting process with local farmers. This experience will give you a new perspective on spending your vacation in Bali.
Let’s visit Bali Seaweed Farm to enjoy a different and memorable vacation experience!
